Moral and normative reasoning

Definition

Moral reasoning argues about what ought to be done, deriving its verdict from values, duties, rights, or principles rather than from facts alone. Facts enter as inputs — what happened, who is affected — but no pile of facts yields an 'ought' until a value joins them.

Memory hook

“From 'is' plus a value to 'ought'.”

What it sounds like

• It would be wrong to…, whatever it costs us.
• She has a right to know.
• A promise was given, and that settles it.